Dance Concepts For All Hip Hop Styles: A Comprehensive Guide to Breaking, Popping, and Locking

Hip hop dance, with its vibrant and dynamic energy, has captivated audiences worldwide. Among its diverse array of styles, breaking, popping, and locking stand out as iconic and influential forms. This article delves into the fundamental dance concepts that form the core of these three styles, providing a comprehensive guide for dancers and enthusiasts alike.

Breaking, also known as b-boying or breakdancing, emerged in the Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s. Rooted in the urban streets, breaking is characterized by its fluid movements, gravity-defying spins, and explosive power moves.

Toprock: The initial footwork and upper body movements that set the foundation for a breaking routine.

Dance Smart: Dance Concepts for all Hip Hop Styles

by FraGue Moser-Kindler

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Language	:	English
File size	:	448 KB
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Downrock: Low-level moves executed on the floor, including freezes and spins.

Power Moves: Acrobatic and physically demanding moves, such as windmills, headspins, and flares.

Freestyle: The improvisational aspect of breaking, where dancers showcase their creativity and interact with the audience.

Cyphers: Gatherings where breakers battle and exchange ideas, fostering a sense of community and competition.

Popping, originating in Fresno, California, in the 1970s, is known for its sharp, robotic movements and the isolation of specific body parts. Through contractions and releases, poppers create intricate rhythmic patterns that give the illusion of electrical impulses running through their bodies.

Hitting: The sudden contraction of a muscle, which creates a sharp, explosive movement.

Isolation: The ability to isolate and control the movement of individual body parts, such as the arms, legs, and head.

Locking: The angular, jerky movements that involve locking the joints, giving the appearance of a malfunctioning robot.

Grooves: The rhythmic patterns and combinations created through the coordinated execution of hits and isolations.

Animation: The illusion of bringing inanimate objects to life through popping movements, mimicking their forms and actions.

Locking, born in Los Angeles, California, in the 1970s, combines fluid, funky movements with precise locking and release techniques. Lockers create a distinctive groove by locking their joints and then releasing them in a synchronized manner.

Locks: The sharp, angular movements that involve locking the joints, creating a distinctive staccato effect.

Unlocks: The smooth, flowing releases that follow locks, providing contrast and a sense of rhythm.

Grooves: The rhythmic patterns and combinations created through the coordination of locks and unlocks.

Campbellocking: A style within locking that incorporates elements of funk and jazz, characterized by exaggerated arm movements and isolations.

Footwork: The intricate footwork that accompanies locks and unlocks, adding complexity and a sense of flow.

Despite their distinct characteristics, breaking, popping, and locking share several common elements that unite them under the umbrella of hip hop dance:

Rhythm: All three styles are deeply rooted in rhythm and musicality, as dancers move in sync with the beat.

Expression: Hip hop dance is a powerful form of self-expression, allowing dancers to convey emotions, ideas, and stories through their movements.

Creativity: Innovation and individuality are highly valued in hip hop dance, as dancers develop their own unique styles and techniques.

Community: Hip hop dance fosters a sense of community and belonging, as dancers come together to share, learn, and support each other.

Breaking, popping, and locking are fundamental hip hop dance styles that embody the creativity, energy, and artistry of this vibrant genre. Understanding the key concepts and techniques of each style unlocks a deeper appreciation for the skill, athleticism, and expression that make hip hop dance a captivating art form. Whether you're an aspiring dancer or an enthusiastic observer, this guide provides a comprehensive foundation for your journey into the world of hip hop dance.

Dance Smart: Dance Concepts for all Hip Hop Styles

by FraGue Moser-Kindler

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	448 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	102 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE